As I am currently working with Autistic/ADHD students, I thought I’d share some promising findings on increasing Omega 3s.

Sixty percent of the dry weight of the brain is made up of fats, and the largest concentration of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids in the body is found in the retina, brain, and nervous system. In the 1980s, researchers observed signs of fatty acid deficiency in hyperactive children. Since, more and more studies found lower Omega-3 levels in children with ADHD and Autism compared with controls.

The Standard American Diet consists of high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3 fatty acids, thus it is important to increase the ratio of Omega 3/Omega 6 in your child’s diet. Omega 3 fatty acids promote proper cellular function and growth of neurons in the brain, help maintain energy levels, normalize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, increase focus, etc.

This picture depicts some of the health benefits of Omega 3s

Two large studies have recently been conducted in this area, both showing promising results. After 3 months of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) supplementation, students with ADHD showed significant improvements in core ADHD symptoms, such as improved reading, spelling, and overall focus.

Omega 3 fatty acids from foods are better absorbed than supplements. Foods highest in Omega 3s include flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon, walnuts, dark leafy greens, sardines, soybeans, and tuna. Flax seeds and Chia seeds are an excellent way to increase your Omega 3 consumption. I love adding flax and chia seeds to green smoothies or homemade trail mixes! Omega 3 supplements are still a great way to ensure optimal intake on a daily basis.

While Omega 3s have shown promising results for Autistic/ADHD children, increasing the Omega 3 to omega 6 ratio will work wonders for ANYONE’s health. Increasing omega 3s have been proven to fight inflammation, thus reducing risks for heart disease and other chronic disease! As you can see in the picture above, Omega 3s have a variety of health benefits.

It is essential that you significantly reduce your omega 6 consumption, otherwise you will not reap the benefits of the Omega 3s as they compete against each other within your body.

10 responses to “Increase Omega 3s”

All the new research about nutrition for kids w/ ADHD & autism is so interesting! I People always hear about increasing omega 3s but rarely about decreasing omega 6 – which is probably the most important. I try to make my own dressings (a simple olive oil & balsamic) and choose fatty fish and grass-fed meats (which have a much higher omega 3 content than regular meats!).

Hi there! Thank you for visiting my blog earlier 🙂 I wanted to check out your blog, and I really like what I see so far. The posts your are writing about are so relevant to the time and it is SO important to spread your knowledge to others. Is your current position something along the lines of a Therapeutic Support Services Aide? I ask because my brother worked with kids who had autism/ADHD for about three years, so I am just wondering! Have a great day 🙂

I’m a nutrition specialist. So I really just work with improving their Autistic behavioral symptoms through diet and nutrition. Thank you for your sweet comments and I look forward to reading more of your posts as well! 🙂

Hello Samantha – Excellent article on autism and omega 3. Reminds me I need to get some new homemade dressing recipes going, I’m in a rut in that area. Thanks, Diane at http://snacketarian.wordpress.com/